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CME: Beef Export Sales to NAFTA Countries Up 7%

US - Predictably retail beef features declined in the second half of July and
this likely contributed to the down trend in the value of the cutout, reports Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc.

It is not a particularly surprising occurrence and the sharp rise in beef prices during late spring and early summer probably contributed to retailers pulling beef off features once the peak grilling days were behind us.

For week ending 28 July, the retail beef feature activity index was down 8 per cent from the previous year and it has averaged 6 per cent under last year for the last three reported weeks.

While beef features at retail have declined, fed cattle slaughter remains well above year ago levels. The higher slaughter is a function of feedlot placements earlier in the year and increased availability.

Feedlot margins were quite robust in Q2 and the current futures market structure continues to incentivise feedlots to maintain a high marketing rate.

Last week fed cattle slaughter was 511,000 head, 7.5 per cent higher than a year ago and near the slaughter highs so far this year.

Expectations are for fed slaughter to once again stay above 500,000 head this week as well compared to 475,000 head a year ago.

Fed cattle weights are lower than last year, which has offset some of the increase in slaughter.

The choice beef cutout last week was $206.96/cwt (average for the week), down $44/cwt (-17.5 per cent) from mid June levels.

Much of the decline was led by the slowdown in retail activity, after all it was higher retail ads that led the rally in April and May.

The prime beef cutout during this period is down 3 per cent while the cutout for branded beef (presumably to support retail features) was down 16 per cent during this time.

With very limited features for middle meats, the beef cutout has had trouble finding a floor the last couple of weeks.

While it is true that price erosion has slowed down, the choice cutout value continues to lose ground largely due to lower prices for loins and ribs.

The chuck and round primal value remains above year ago levels, we assume because consumers are shifting their purchases to less expensive beef options.

We continue to see very robust pricing for grinds, be this lean or fat beef. The price of 90CL boneless beef trimmings is currently near $233/cwt, a 6 per cent premium over year ago levels.